CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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The secret of Eternal youth – The importance of Moisturising

Good day guys, start of another week,  we all need a little help at the start of the week and as the days are getting shorter and the weather is definitely taken a more seasonal turn. I thought we would take a look at the importance of moisturising. Listen I’m not going to even bother giving air time to the maxim of “Real men don’t moisturise”, do you want to look old ????

Now, I have to admit I’m one of the worse culprits when it comes to not looking after my skin and I know I should and I know I have to. So after doing so well with covering the best of the sun creams on the market I decided to turn to that ever wise person responsible for keeping me on the straight and narrow. Mrs Mc, so I’ll leave you in her most able hands.

Right Men it’s officially Autumn, clocks are turning back and Winter wont be long so to avoid red noses and flaky chaffed skin its worth spending a few seconds a day slapping on a moisturiser.

Climate changes affect your skin differently in winter than summer. Just think; your skin is probably going from cold and damp commutes into centrally heated offices, blustery walks in the park into country pubs with roaring fires…Anyway your skin could do with a barrier to protect it from the various elements thrown at it.

Noella Gabriel, Director of Product and Treatment Development at Elemis, informed us of the importance of moisturising at this time of year;

“Winter brings with it harsh weather, shorter days, less sunshine, a dramatic change in diet from seasonal salads and fruits to soups and warmer food, which all has a direct impact on the skin. 

 The skin responds in a different way for each individual, some skins become oily others, very dehydrated and others very sensitive. 

A winter skin needs;

1. protection

2. nourishment and extra nutrients

3. nurturing

Add in elements such as shaving everyday which can lead to very sensitive skin. Shaving removes up to 7 layers of skin, using a product that is highly detergent and has a high percentage of alcohol can lead to high sensitivity, dehydration and result in a red, flaky skin. This is accelerated by the lack of a daily skincare regime or simply using a daily moisturiser. Introducing a targeted treatment moisturiser such as S.O.S. Survival Cream in the winter months can help reduce these problems. This skin treatment cream is the optimum solution for sensitivity, irritation, dryness and blemishes. The powerful formula of marine extracts, Lavender and Myrrh instantly soothes problem areas and leaves the skin perfectly hydrated and comfortable.”

So as usual, Clothes Make The Man have done the hard work for you …and this is our round up of the best.

Dry, sensitive or damaged skin

NIVEA FOR MEN – SENSITIVE MOSITUISER

Designed for men with sensitive/irritated skin the formula is gentle, fragrance and alcohol free and contains camomile and Vitamin E to intensively moisturise and sooth sensitive skin.

 

No7 Men Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Night Moisturiser

This product is probably best reserved for those who are exposing their skin to the elements or are suffering from very dry skin. It’s a rich cream, applied daily am that will take a minute to be absorbed. It has an SPF of 15 and feels soothing. It’s hypo- allergenic for when skin is irritated, for best results Boots recommend applying the ‘protect and perfect’ serum first.

 

Harry’s Men’s Face Lotion Spf15

Harry’s Face Lotion is a non-greasy, lightweight formula that hydrates skin with shea butter, refreshes with lively mint, and features SPF 15 to protect from UVA/UVB rays. YES so should be wearing a moisturiser with a Sun protection Factor (SPF) evening the Winter guys !

 

 

ELEMIS Men Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

Specially formulated for men, this clinically proven anti-ageing moisturiser harnesses the power of the sea to help hydrate, firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, the award-winning formula helps improve the appearance of skin suppleness and elasticity for smoother-looking skin.

 

Normal to dry skin

L’Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser

With hydra protect complex, this has a non greasy/sticky formula for those of you with normal to dry/sensitive skins. This is designed for men’s skin to fight the signs of fatigue. Discover Hydra Energetic daily moisturiser designed for tired looking skin. Great for winter out doors and commuting as it helps skin combat against the cold, wind and pollution and soothes razor burn. A good all rounder and reasonably priced 

 

LIZ EARLE FOR MEN
AFTER-SHAVING MOISTURISER

This is a great all round moisturiser that doubles as an aftershave soother. Leaving skin smooth and soft, it has a light and non-greasy formula. Lots of lovely natural ingredients include Borage to calm and moisturise, Vitamin E to protect. It smells lovely. You use sparingly on face and neck.

 

Clinique For Men Moisturizing Lotion

This does what it says on the tin, it hydrates, repairs and protects. This is a fast absorbing cream that’s light, non greasy and has a neutral smell. Dermatologist developed face lotion formulated with glycerin and urea. Lightweight formula helps strengthen skin’s moisture barrier.

 

AVEDA – BOTANICAL KINETICS – HYDRATING LOTION

This lovely, light hydrating lotion absorbs in seconds, smells fresh and leaves skin looking healthy and moisturised without shine. A bit pricier but full of lovely, natural ingredients and environmentally AVEDA are the first beauty company to produce their products using 100% wind power…

 
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Tried and Trusted from Generation to generation – NIVEA MEN CREME

imageOur first memories of grooming and beauty products are, I’m pretty sure, of our parents using them. Whether it be your Father, splashing on after shave, in my case Old Spice, or your Mum applying a moisturiser, or night cream, before she turned in for the night, once again in my case and I’m sure im not on my own here, using Nivea. Its iconic packaging in royal blue and white made it unmistakable with that unique and delicate scent, the sort of thing memories are made of. Now, I’m certain my childhood home wasn’t the only one where my Dad would sneakily pinch a dap of my Mum Nivea to end his, virtually nonexistent, grooming ritual.

Let’s face it most men’s grooming regime starts and finishes with a quick shower and a shave. But after a day of braving the elements on the daily urban commute, which can include the riggers of holding your own in that important meeting or presenting to that awkward client, sometimes your skin just needs some extra help.

Many men will reach for any old product they can get their hands on. In fact a recent study, conducted for Beiersdorf, found that some 36% of men surveyed simply just used the moisturiser of their female partner.

So even if you like your partner’s moisturiser, for whatever reason, there are no excuses any more as you can turn to the new Nivea Men Creme. A no nonsense, all purpose moisturising cream, made especially for male skin and is suitable for face, body and hands, combatting dry skin everywhere with just one tin.

The light non-greasy formula absorbs super fast and leaves nothing behind but well moisturised and healthy looking skin, making it ideal for the man who wants to look after his skin, but likes to keep his grooming regime SIMPLE.

 

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Be safe out there – sunscreen special by Amanda Lewis

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Shhhhhhh don’t tell the girlfriend – Bio Oil it’s not just for her

I’m still a little unsure as to why I’m writing this and not the great Mrs Mc, but there you go. Why do I question, myself writing this post ? Here’s why, the product under discussion in today’s post is held up by my better half, like some mystical, sacred oil seen in the same light as the Ark of the Covenant, Excalibur or the fountain of youth best thing since she discovered flexx labs. And in Amanda’s eyes Bio Oil can help, heal or cure many of life’s ailments, and do you know what I’m starting to believe her !

Bio-Oil is a multi-tasking skincare product that can be used for shaving, moisturising, treating scars and stretch marks caused by rapid growth or muscle gain. The Bio-Oil formula combines a number of natural oils with PurCellin Oil to ensure the product is fully absorbed and doesn’t leave any greasy residue on the skin.

It can be used in countless ways and for different grooming dilemmas including;
As an After shave – Try using Bio-Oil to shave to help reduce dryness and irritation. It contains chamomile oil which has a soothing and calming effect on the skin
As a Moisturiser – Bio-Oil is quickly absorbed into the skin where its unique combination of natural plant oils and vitamins help to improve skin tone, texture and moisture levels. Used regularly, Bio-Oil can help improve the appearance of sagging and wrinkled skin
To help in healing Scars – From shaving nicks to injury-related scars, Bio-Oil can be applied as soon as the skin has healed to reduce the appearance of new and old scars
To reduce Stretch marks – Periods of rapid growth or muscle gain can result in stretch marks. Bio-Oil can be used over the entire body to help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks

It’s formulation combines some of the most important ingredients for skincare. These include vitamin A and E with Calendula, Lavender, Rosemary and Chamomile oils, plus, unique to Bio-Oil, PurCellin Oil, to ensure they are easily-absorbed deep into the second layer of the skin where they can provide targeted treatment. PurCellin Oil dramatically lowers the viscosity (stickiness and density) of the formulation to create a “dry” oil which is non-greasy.IMG_1760.JPG

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Hot and Polished – Liz Earle Naturally Active Men’s Skincare

imageWe’re lovin’ the range of men’s skin care from Liz Earle – easy-to-use men’s grooming essentials that harness the power of naturally active botanical ingredients – that’s plants! This no-nonsense skincare range is an easy route to clean, smooth, healthy looking skin. Specially formulated to suit the needs of male skin, the products work hard so you don’t need too, and make a real difference to your skin’s look and feel.

Start with Men’s Cleanse & Polish which cleans away dirt and excess oils that can block pores, helping to reduce impurities. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and even eczema prone skin. Smooth on to remove all traces of daily grime and polish off the cream using the muslin cloths to help gently dislodge dead skin cells and keep skin in great condition. Naturally active ingredients include cooling eucalyptus essential oil, rosemary extract to invigorate and moisturising cocoa butter.

Ensure a clean, close and smooth shave with the Sensitive Shave Cream which helps to prevent razor burn. It’s specially formulated using naturally gentle foaming agents and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Packed with naturally active ingredients including shave grass for soothing properties and clary sage and eucalyptus to help calm and protect skin.

Most men recognise the tight, uncomfortable feeling of dry skin. Lifestyle factors and environmental causes such as sun, wind and central heating can cause that tight feeling and accompanying redness. Men’s skin is particularly sensitive and in need of extra protection just after shaving, as the top layer of dead skin cells are removed during the shave. Slap on this on Liz Earle for Men After-Shaving Moisturiser to cool, soothe and moisturise.
Keep bump free by twice weekly buffing with the invigorating Face Scrub. Great after cleansing or shaving once or twice a week, it contains eucalyptus essential oil, plus exfoliating pumice and jojoba beads to slough away dead skin cells for healthier-looking, smooth skin

Finish off in the shower with Liz Earle for Men Face and Body Wash gentle enough to use on your face and body, leaving skin feeling clean without drying it out. It contains no nasties and active ingredients include aloe vera, patchouli, bergamot and vetiver means you’ll smell good.